President Pledges Support for Shs 1 Billion Mirundi Media Plaza

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has paid tribute to the late Joseph Tamale Mirundi for amplifying the message of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) through the media.

Mr. Mirundi, a prominent political analyst and author who once served as the Presidential Press Secretary, passed away on 13th August 2024.

“The NRM lost a good cadre and a strategic communicator. I urge his children and grandchildren to carry on his good works,” President Museveni said in a message delivered by his Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilization, who also serves as Deputy Spokesperson, Haji Faruk Kirunda. The remarks were made during a memorial mass at St. Gyaviira Catholic Parish, Bunamwaya, to mark one year since Mirundi’s passing.

The President thanked the family and relatives for organizing the commemorative event and the Church for leading the service, acknowledging the friends and former colleagues who have remained close to the family.
“By the time he died, the late Tamale had become a household name, hailed for his outspoken nature, especially on radio and television talk shows,” he noted.

Haji Kirunda encouraged the late Mirundi’s children to remain united and proposed the formation of a family SACCO to enable government support. He also launched the construction of the Mirundi Media Plaza, estimated to cost Shs 1 billion, pledging 300 bags of cement on behalf of the Kirunda family. He assured the family of President Museveni’s backing to see the project completed.

President Museveni also contributed Shs 30 million to support the memorial event.

Political commentator and close friend Frank Gashumba described Mirundi as a good friend, despite occasional disagreements, and pledged 100 bags of cement towards the media plaza.

The late’s elder brother, Mr. John Ssali Mirundi, thanked President Museveni for the support extended during his brother’s illness and after his passing. He also revealed that the family had reconciled with the Buganda Kingdom, with whom the late had previous differences.

On behalf of the children, Ms. Teddy Nantongo expressed gratitude to President Museveni for allowing her father to serve in State House. She also outlined a plan to construct the Mirundi Media Plaza in Mpambire, along Masaka Road.

Fr. Francis Semuddu commended the family for organizing the memorial mass and praised the late as a great man who left an indelible mark.